Juniper is an evergreen tree that grows in all parts of Europe, Asia and North America. There are many varieties of this plant, but the most common in the world is the species Juniperus communis. Juniper reaches three meters in height, different needle-shaped leaves and seed cones. The most used part of the tree is berries, which look like dark blue scales with a black tint. This is a unique plant, because it can ripen from 2 to 18 years (it all depends on the sex of the plant - male or female). In this article, we will talk about the healing properties of juniper, and also share secrets that will help maintain youthful skin, hair and the body as a whole.
The scientific name of this plant comes from the word "coarse", which is associated with the sharp taste of scaly berries.
The healing properties of juniper
The Greek doctor and botanist Dioscorides in one of his works mentioned that this plant is ideal for improving blood circulation and as a diuretic. Studying the benefits of fruits and essential oil, the scientist came to the conclusion that juniper is ideally suited for coughing, cramps, bites of poisonous animals, cramps and kidney stones.
Chemical composition:
- Juniper is rich in acids such as formic, ascorbic, acetic, glucuronic.
- The main feature of the evergreen tree is the presence of terpenes, which are obtained from resin and berries. This class of hydrocarbons is the main ingredient in the creation of balsams, essential oils. Due to this chemical composition, which includes borneol, cadren, limonene, sabinin, eucalyptol, alpha-pinene, beta-pinene, gamma-alpha-terpineol, alpha-thuyen, products derived from juniper have a special aroma and taste.
- Flavonoids (catechin, epicatechin, apigenin, gallocatechin). These components are very important for our body, as they prevent the early aging of cells, their mutation and destruction. Thanks to flavonoids, the body is able to fight against irritants that cause allergies, tumors, viruses and infections, and inflammations.
- Minerals: calcium, cobalt, iron, manganese, magnesium, potassium, selenium, phosphorus, sodium, zinc.
- Vitamins: Vitamin C, Vitamin B3 (Niacin), Vitamin B1 (Thiamine).
- Sugar: fructose, glucose.
- Resin.
- Menthol.
- Terpenoids: camphor.
- Yunipirin.
- Tannins, gallotannins.
- Fiber: Pectin.
The work of scientists
The healing properties of the juniper were inspired not only by Dioscorides, but also by pharmacologist Segovia Andres Laguna, who began to make varnish for processing iron structures with the help of resin from evergreen wood and linseed oil.
But Nicholas Culpeper, who lived in the early 17th century, believed that juniper berries are an excellent remedy for gout, and they also cleanse alcohol, removing toxins and toxins.
Effect on the body
Tinctures from juniper berries help relieve inflammation, and also have a beneficial effect on the gastrointestinal tract. That is why it is recommended to use products prepared from an evergreen plant for stomach upsets, heartburn, flatulence, bloating, loss of appetite, the appearance of helminths, and various infections that affect the gastrointestinal tract.
Thanks to its antiseptic and diuretic properties, juniper is fighting infection of the genitourinary tract. In other words, any remedy disinfects the ducts, effectively with urethritis and cystitis, with kidney stones and the bladder. In addition, juniper removes accumulated fluid from the body, which disrupts the functioning of our lymphatic system. This helps to get rid of excess uric acid, which subsequently leads to gout.
The healing properties of juniper amaze and surprise at the same time. After all, this plant is able to reduce the amount of fluid around the joints, which prevents the development of arthritis and rheumatism. Juniper tinctures and oils are high in natural insulin and therefore lower blood sugar. It can also help heal the pancreas if there are no complications or malignancies. Another feature of the plant is the restoration of the menstrual cycle, the reduction of pain and the number of secretions.
Skin diseases
Juniper can be used topically for the treatment of skin diseases such as eczema, acne, warts, papillomas. The resin is especially effective in controlling psoriasis that affects the scalp. And thanks to the antibacterial properties, decoction and juniper berry tincture treat wounds, snake bites, and insect bites.
Juniper essential oil
Extracts and essential oils from juniper berries contain terpinen-4-ol compound, which stimulates the kidneys and acts as a diuretic. But another compound, aftoflavon, has antiviral properties.
Juniper essential oils are beneficial for the respiratory system. They are often used to treat bronchitis, as well as against inflammatory processes accompanied by pain. But juniper is used not only for medical purposes. Essential oils have a special aroma and light bitterness, so many people use it as a seasoning or flavoring for foods and drinks, such as gin, such as Beefeater.
Juniper extract can also be found in some cosmetics, such as lipstick, concealer, eye shadow, conditioner and hair shampoo, foam and bath oil.
Who does not fit this plant
It is necessary to use means based on juniper with caution. Contraindications:
- Long-term use of tinctures and oils inside can lead to problems with the kidneys, seizures.
- Local use of juniper can cause skin irritation, burning, redness, or swelling. It is strictly forbidden to use this plant to treat deep and large wounds.
- You can not use drugs for gastritis, frequent constipation, stomach and intestinal ulcers, bleeding.
- Excessive use can lead to diarrhea. In addition, if you are a lover of juniper, then do not be alarmed when you find urine in a purple hue.
- It is not recommended to use this plant as a medicine if there are problems with the kidneys and the cardiovascular system. Often, blood pressure rises after application.
- Excessive use may interfere with the beneficial absorption of iron and other minerals by the body.
- Juniper treatment should be careful. This plant greatly lowers blood sugar, so diabetics should be especially careful.
- Two weeks before the planned operation, it is worth stopping all use of products with juniper. Cosmetics such as shampoos can be used.
- With caution, you need to use funds based on the evergreen tree for pregnant, lactating women, as well as those who have long been trying to conceive a baby. Juniper can cause uterine spasm, which can affect fertility and lead to miscarriage. It is not yet known how this plant affects young children. A woman should remember that all the components of any product or plant are transmitted to the baby through breast milk.
Use for rheumatoid arthritis
Juniper berries, branches and trunk are used for the manufacture of medicines against rheumatism. The plant helps to reduce inflammation of arthritis, which causes swelling in the joints, eliminates the accumulation of fluid, reducing pain.
So what is juniper useful for? The fact that its chemical composition contains more than 30 anti-inflammatory compounds, including flavonoids and terpenoids, which have anti-rheumatic properties. The joints are beneficially affected by the contained ascorbic acid, selenium, menthol, zinc, carotenoids.
How to apply? Take 1 tablespoon of juniper berries, pour 1 liter of water, put on fire. Wait until the broth boils, and then cook for 10-15 minutes, making the power of the stove at minimum. Drink 2-3 glasses a day. It is advisable to conduct treatment in courses of 3-5 days, taking a break of several weeks.
For excellent digestion
Juniper for alcohol can improve appetite and facilitate the digestion process. Antianorexic properties come from the content of zinc in the plant. The yellow amorphous compound - uniperin - increases the production of acid in the stomach, thereby causing a feeling of hunger.
Juniper tincture is drunk for flatulence, aerophagia, dyspepsia, pain in the upper abdomen, heartburn. To prepare such a product, you need to take 50 grams of dried berries, pour a glass of vodka, pack tightly and put it in the dark. You can replace alcohol with dry white wine. Drink tincture for 1-2 teaspoons 30 minutes before a meal.
Recipes for the respiratory system
Juniper has expectorant properties due to the high content of terpenes and terpenoids. It is also a good antiseptic and antispasmodic. Thanks to this, the use of juniper can be aimed at getting rid of respiratory diseases, such as colds, bronchitis, sinusitis, pharyngitis. Just take 100 grams of dried berries, pour a liter of hot water and insist for 15 minutes. Drink the drink, sweetening it with real honey in advance.
Terpineol together with terpinene-4-ol created a powerful weapon against asthma. Juniper can indeed soothe a cough and relieve lubrication in people with this condition. Take dried berries (5 tablespoons) and pour a liter of dry white wine. Insist 7 days, and then strain. Drink 50 milliliters during an exacerbation of asthma several times a day.
Beauty and strength of curls
Juniper for hair is used as an essential oil. This tool has excellent regenerative properties, allowing the cells of the scalp to be updated. This improves the blood circulation, which means that tired and atrophied hair follicles will again begin to receive nutrition, which is necessary for the rapid growth of healthy and strong hair.
- But in its pure form, it is not recommended to use juniper oil. To achieve maximum effect, you must mix in equal proportions the essence of rosemary and sage.
- To get the first visible result, you need to make hair masks. But in no case can you use essential oil in its pure form - it must be diluted with a base (sunflower, olive oil, grape seed oil, peach).
- Perform the procedure 2 times a week, preferably before washing your hair. You can use burdock and castor oil as an additional power source.
- Add 6 drops of essence to 2 tablespoons of the base, massage into the scalp with massaging movements, and then cover it with polyethylene and leave it on for 15-20 minutes. After application, you will notice that the work of the sebaceous glands is normalized, and the hair becomes shiny and voluminous for a long period.
Addition to Food
Juniper berries are rich in sugars and have a resinous aroma. Some Indian tribes use the dried fruits of this plant to produce flour, and subsequently bake bread. The same dry berries used to be used as a substitute for coffee.
Getting rid of acne and dermatitis
For cosmetic purposes, they mainly use juniper essential oil, which has antiseptic, astringent, and healing properties.
Components such as alpha-pinene and alpha-terpineol, zinc, selenium, chromium, beta-carotene, camphor will help get rid of acne. Just dilute 10 drops of essential oil in a glass of water, then soak a towel in liquid and wipe the inflamed area on the skin. You can use the same procedure to treat dermatitis and eczema.
As an analgesic
Juniper has an effect not only on hair and skin, but is also used to treat muscle and joint pain due to gout, rheumatism, injuries and bruises.
Just dilute 10 drops of essential oil in 100 drops of olive, and then rub the affected area with this mixture. You can also prepare tincture using a tablespoon of dried berries and 1 cup of vodka. It is necessary to insist in a dark warm place for one and a half weeks, after which wipe the damaged area with a ready-made solution.
Juniper is a true gift of nature. Over the centuries, people have learned how to use this plant for the good, to treat gout, to prevent kidney stones and much more.